THE FINANCIER
which was not customary with Aileen—and Mamie
noticed it.
"There is something the matter with you to-day,
Aileen Butler," observed Mamie, coming over to her and
looking in her face. The young school-teacher was very
fond of the contractor's daughter. "You're not like
yourself at all."
"I've got something on my mind," replied Aileen—
"something that's worrying me. I don't know just what
to do—that's what's the matter."
"Well, whatever can it be?" commented Mamie. "I
never saw you act this way before. Can't you tell me?
What is it?"
"No, I don't think I can—not now, anyhow." Aileen
paused. "Do you suppose your mother would object,"
she asked, suddenly, "if I came here and stayed a little
while? I want to get away from home for a time for a
certain reason."
"Why, Aileen Butler, how you talk!" exclaimed her
friend. "Object! You know she'd be delighted, and so
would I. Oh, dear—can you come? But what makes
you want to leave home ?"
"That's just what I can't tell you—not now, anyhow,"
replied Aileen. " You mustn't ask me. But I want to
come if you'll let me. Will you speak to your mother,
or shall I?"
"Why, I will," said Mamie, struck with wonder at this
remarkable development; " but it's silly to do it. I
know what she'll say before I tell her, and so do you.
You can just bring your things and come. That's all."
Aileen looked at her solemnly. " But neither of you
must tell anybody that I'm here. I don't want any-
body to know—particularly no one of my family."
"You're not going to run away for good, are you,
Aileen?" asked Mamie, curiously and gravely.
"Oh, I don't know; I don't know what I'll do. I know
that I want to come away for a while, anyhow."
18 537